Associate Public Affairs Representative

Water Replenishment District • Lakewood, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD or District) is a California Special District responsible for managing and protecting local groundwater resources for over 4 million residents. As a local government agency, WRD ensures that a reliable supply of high-quality groundwater is available through the use of stormwater capture and recycled water. WRD is seeking an Associate Public Affairs Representative, under direct supervision, provides support in implementing District-wide public and community relations strategies and plans to meet District public affairs goals and objectives; assists staff with the District public affairs, public education, community and media outreach and conservation programs; attends meetings with other public agencies, elected and appointed governmental officials, community and industry groups and the media; helps, organize and execute assigned public relations and education, community outreach and/or media events; writes and coordinates production of a wide variety of public relations materials; and performs other duties as assigned. Associate Public Affairs Representative is an entry-level class in the professional external affairs job family. An incumbent is responsible for performing skilled, professional duties in support of District-wide public affairs, public education, community outreach, conservation and media relations programs, plans and strategies to meet designated District public relations goals and objectives. An incumbent is also responsible for helping coordinate public relations, media relations, community outreach, special and/or media events and represents the District in assigned public interactions. Associate Public Affairs Representative is distinguished from Public Affairs Representative in that an incumbent in the latter class is responsible for implementing and administering District-wide public, public education, community outreach, conservation and media relations programs, plans and strategies.

Requirements

• Principles, methods and practices applied in design and implementation of public affairs and education, community outreach, social media, media relations and conservation programs.
• Methods and techniques of issue and image management.
• Methods and techniques for creating effective media and public relations materials.
• Methods of analysis applicable to the formulation and communication of programs and policy.
• Industry trends and media practices as they apply to developing and carrying out public relations programs for a water utility agency.
• Principles, methods and techniques of graphic design, layout and print production.
• Advertising and public relations industry practices and trends.
• Basic principles and practices of public administration including budgeting, purchasing and maintenance of public records.
• Research methods and analysis techniques.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Analyze and make sound recommendations on media relations, community outreach and public affairs issues and assignments.
• Develop concepts and design specific methods and techniques to improve internal and external communications.
• Generate interest and convey messages through the development of graphic treatments and persuasive writing.
• Apply writing style and techniques appropriate for differing business and journalistic/public relations purposes.
• Create effective graphic designs and creative approaches for use in public information and education programs.
• Present information, proposals and/or recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively in public meetings.
• Operate a computer using word processing, desktop publishing and other standard text and graphics software.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Represent the District effectively in public settings and with media representatives on a variety of issues.
• Exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with sensitive and complex issues.
• Establish and maintain highlight effective relationships with District management, staff, elected and appointed officials of other public agencies, industry representatives, representatives of community, professional and business organizations, the media, the public and others encountered in the course of work.
• A valid California driver’s license is required and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy.

Responsibilities

• Assist with District-wide public affairs, public education and media outreach programs, initiatives and activities; help coordinates public education programs in the areas of water awareness, watershed stewardship and general environmental awareness; visits schools to promote District educational programs; coordinate media buys for public education efforts; assist in organizing effective public tours of District facilities and projects.
• Help implement District community outreach and communications programs; and projects; answer questions and provide information as assigned; follow up on solicitations of sponsorships for programs.
• Participate in communicating information and messages to the public and key constituencies, as well as to internal customers, to promote the District and educate target audiences regarding the District’s programs, activities and initiatives as assigned through various communication platforms including the development of engaging and educational social media campaigns; help build positive relationships with key business and community leaders.
• Design, develop and create public relations and education materials and collaterals, including promotional pieces, annual reports, guides, brochures, charts and other print/graphic materials with approval of management; conduct background research to write materials; create and place paid advertising; help promotes events to media.
• Assist in the implementation of District water conservation initiatives and programs.
• Attends a variety of conferences, meetings and training sessions as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level